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HALIFAX – A Halifax city planner says the municipality is actively working with Nova Scotia Power to prune trees near power lines.

In a report filed Tuesday on its response to post-tropical storm Arthur, the utility said too many roadside trees in communities were partly to blame in hindering efforts to restore power.

The report said in Halifax, for instance, trees continue to be planted directly under or very near power lines.

John Charles, project manager for the city’s urban forest master plan, says while there are differing opinions with the utility on such issues as gaining more clearance for power lines, collaborative work has been ongoing.

Charles says Nova Scotia Power assisted the city last winter in identifying areas of concern during pruning and also helped with inspection work.

He says a plan was adopted in 2012 to prune trees on a seven-year cycle but more can be done.